Teaching purpose-driven entrepreneurs learn to be the Directors of Marketing for their businesses

Marketing On A Limited Budget

Most small business owners are. And sometimes, limited budget equals “no budget.”

The good news is that marketing does not have to cost much. It may seem like an expensive endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be.

In fact, when you’re first starting out, employing no-cost/low-cost marketing tactics can actually help you more than the fancy marketing investments.

Let’s take a look at four different ways you can market your business on a limited budget.

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Let’s face it: We don’t have a lot of money to spend on our marketing, especially when we are first starting out.

In fact, most of us have a limited budget for marketing.

No judgement – we have to start somewhere.

Thankfully, marketing your business does not have to be expensive. There are many low-cost and no-cost marketing tactics. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

#1: Do guest speaking gigs

Guest speaking is when you go to an organization you don’t belong to and present on a topic related to your business. This usually occurs at networking meetings, but it can also be at luncheons, conferences, or workshops.

The cost to do guest speaking gigs is minimal – often just your time and fuel costs. I would recommend offering a low-cost raffle item (such as a $10 gift card to the local coffee shop), so that you can collect information on raffle forms. When you use raffle forms, you can ask people to opt into your list and if they want more information about your services.

#2: Networking

Networking is not free, but depending on the organization you join, it can be low cost. If you are not able to pay for membership fees, find out how many times you can attend for free, and then space it out. For example, if you can go to three meetings for free, then go to one meeting every month. By month three, you may be able to afford the membership dues.

Most networking meetings occur over meals. If that is cost prohibitive, eat before or after the meeting. Remember, though, to tip the server a couple of bucks, especially if you get complimentary water or coffee. She’s working hard for the money too!

Another way to avoid paying for meals is to join Virtual Networkers. Virtual Networkers is a part of Keep It Local, LLC (a networking group based in Tampa Bay, Florida). It’s just like an in-person networking meeting, but you network through your webcam. No food costs or fuel charges – you just need an Internet connection. To learn more, visit www.keepitlocal-llc.com.

#3: Social media

Social media marketing doesn’t have to cost you a penny. Like any marketing strategy, you need to work it by being present and helpful.

Start with finding out which social media site is most frequented by your ideal client. Then become a fixture on that social media site. Post often, join groups, host your own group, use hashtags – whatever gets you in front of your ideal clients.

To help attract people to your social media account, think about organic ways of spreading the message. Invite friends to your Facebook page, make sure your social media sites are linked in your email signature and website, and follow others to see if they’ll follow back.

#4: Livestreaming

Livestreaming is a super affordable to market your business. If you’re on Facebook, you can use Facebook Live to broadcast your livestream. Same goes for Twitter, YouTube, and Google Plus. All of these livestreaming platforms are free to use.

You can make quick livestreams or plan weekly shows. The more livestreams you make, the more exposure you get. And the more knowledge you can share!

Also consider Zoom – a third-party livestreaming tool where you can invite people to your “Zoom Room” for webinars and classes. Zoom does have a free feature, but if you can afford it, use the Pro feature so you can record your sessions and invite more people to attend.

Now that you have some ideas on how to market on a limited budget, which marketing tactic will you implement? I recommend them all. You want to increase your visibility in front of your ideal clients, and these four tactics will get the job done.

If you want more no-cost/low-cost marketing ideas, be sure to download my Magnetic Marketing Checklist. It’s a free checklist that will help you identify your ideal client and how to market to her. Click on the graphic below to get your copy.

ABOUT JILL

Hi, I’m Jill Celeste. I teach purpose-driven entrepreneurs (just like you) everything you need to know about marketing so you can become the Director of Marketing for your business.

Because when you put your Director of Marketing hat squarely on your head, marketing is your number one priority (which will result in more clients!).

When I am not teaching about marketing, you’ll find me hanging out with my husband or my teenage boys, or taking a nap with my basset hound, Emma. I also like to play with my two guinea pigs and feed the backyard ducks (much to my neighbor’s chagrin).

Want to learn more about marketing? I invite you to get my book for free – just head over to www.ThatFirstClient.com. And don’t let the title fool you; it will help you get your first – or next – client. I am honored to help you! ♥